First of all, I had the pleasure of photographing Jill and Zach’s rehearsal dinner at Percy Street BBQ. Perfect spot for a fun, rowdy, lip-smacking party before the big day. BBQ and weddings just go hand in hand (ok, not really, but Dutch and I had bbq at our own wedding so I’m partial). I love shooting rehearsal dinners because it gives me a chance to get to know the family and closest friends before the wedding day. The speeches were sweet and poignant and it’s always an honor to get to hear those.

The wedding day was even better at the American Swedish Historical Museum. Dutch and I had picked out some quaint little cobblestone streets in Philly to photograph around first. It was such a nice way to get started with Jill and Zach, very relaxed with nobody around. The museum is on the edge of FDR park which was full of life on this unseasonably warm (ok, hot!) late September day. We arrived to find a helluva party going on at the boathouse (where we had planned to do pictures) and a very persistent ice cream truck circling round and round. And yet, when we entered the gates and walked up the steps of the museum, it was a calm oasis in the middle of the city. It was our first time photographing here and we really loved it. Plenty of trees, lovely architecture and best of all, one of those rare green spaces where you can have an outdoor wedding ceremony in Philadelphia. Jill looked stunning and had the perfect dress for the heat…shorter skirt covered by long tiers of gossamer and lace. The ceremony was lovely as well. Jill and Zach had invited a variety of friends to simply stand up and share a memory or anecdote (similar to a Quaker ceremony, really). It made it feel even more personal and inclusive of the guests. All in all, a wonderful day with Jill and Zach.